Hot Topics:

Rockies' Tulowitzki looks for balance after last year's struggles

Shortstop hits single in spring training debut

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

Posted:
02/23/2013 10:37:39 PM MST

Updated:
02/23/2013 10:38:18 PM MST

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- For the first time in his career, uncertainty defines Troy Tulowitzki. He believes his surgically repaired left leg will be fine, but he won't know until he plays several spring training games. He wants to stay in Colorado -- it's why he agreed to a Rockie-for-life contract through 2020 -- but realizes there are no guarantees if the franchise doesn't climb out of the abyss.

"With my leg, I just don't know. I feel great, but I am not going to throw it out there that I won't get hurt. I don't know that. But I have done everything possible to prepare for this season," Tulowitzki said. "With (manager) Walt (Weiss) here, it's a fresh start. I am excited. It's a new chapter in my book. But we need to turn things around quickly, and if we don't, there's a possibility I won't be here. We are a team that doesn't spend a whole bunch of money, so if we don't get this going in the right direction, anything can happen."

In a wide-ranging, 30-minute interview in the clubhouse at Salt River Fields, the two-time All-Star discussed several topics, including leadership, his relationship with fellow all-star Carlos Gonzalez and his desire to remain at shortstop.

Tulowitzki first addressed his health, which checked out fine Saturday, by going 1-for-2 with a single in the team's 11-2 win against he Diamondbacks. It's the anvil hanging over the Rockies' camp this spring after he played just 47 games a season ago due to a left groin injury.

Advertisement

In an attempt to be the same player as before last season, he has changed everything. He arrives at 6:30 a.m. daily for an active warm-up to fire the muscles. He finishes every day with treatment, ranging from deep tissue massage to stretching. In between, he's pumping the brakes in drill works, taking fewer repetitions in the field and in the batting cage.

"The leg work has to be as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth," Tulowitzki said. "My leg feels 10 times better than it did at the end of the season. I am stronger, and I have gained a lot of confidence because of that. Now I know nothing is wrong. There's no pain. It's just trusting it in games."

Tulowitzki, 28, will play plenty this spring but will make concessions during the season. Weiss has already told Tulo that he will receive planned days off. The direct communication and Weiss' first-hand knowledge of playing the position at Coors Field made it an easier sell.

"They are going to choose their days where I have no say. They will point to the chair and say, 'That's where you are going to be today.' That's the first time that's happened in my career. And I think that's the right thing to do," Tulowitzki said. "As much as I want to be out there every single game, I have to be smart. The challenge will be when I am slumping and wanting to spend hours upon hours in the cage. I have to find a balance."

Misery for Tulo, team

Before last year's lost season, Tulowitzki had finished in the top eight in the National League MVP voting three consecutive years and won a pair of gold gloves. Without Tulo, Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer slumped and the defense finished with an NL-worst 122 errors.

Tulowitzki injured his left groin in the second game of the season, which led eventually to surgery in June to remove scar tissue irritating a nerve. His leg didn't recover in time to return, leading to frustration and disappointment. Upset at not being able to play, Tulo cleaned out his locker late in the year, believing his name would surface in trade rumors. (The Cardinals were the most interested, but Rockies owner Dick Monfort said repeatedly over the winter that the team wasn't moving the shortstop).

Tulowitzki, who has $140 million remaining on his contract, was criticized by fans, labeled oft-injured, and his leadership was questioned. After attempting to be more vocal last spring, Tulowitzki will lead by example this year.

"I am just going to be who I am. I am going to stop worrying about it. People say I am a leader, then want me to talk to this guy and that guy. What I do is enough. As long as I am out there on the field, I believe people are going to follow," Tulowitzki said.

"A lot of guys become team leaders in their mid-30s. I was pushed into that role at 25 and 26. It was tough to handle at times, even though I welcomed it. If the players see me as a leader, that's all I can ask."

Gonzalez benefits greatly from Tulowitzki's presence in the lineup. Without Tulo, Gonzalez stumbled through a poor second half. Tulowitzki is also the one player who consistently challenges the all-star when he senses a lack of effort.

"He plays with passion, and plays the game the right way. You have no choice but to follow him," Gonzalez said. "When he's not playing, we are a completely different team."

Given his importance to the Rockies, why not follow a path of less resistance? Tulowitzki could move to third base and probably hit 30 home runs with 100 RBIs and have far less wear and tear on his body. Tulowitzki, at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, is one of the biggest shortstops in the game's history but has paid a heavy price in leg injuries.

"If there's a time in my career where I think it would better suit the team to go to third, we will talk about that. Right now, I think it gives our team an edge if I play shortstop," Tulowitzki said. "At third, there would be other players just as good. At short, I can stand out."

Weiss and Tulo have created a strong bond over the past few months. Weiss played through injuries that required multiple surgeries after he retired. Tulo said, "We talk the same language."

"He gives us our best shot when he's out there," Weiss said. "He's in a good place."

New coordinator pushes Buffs to work, play at level he expectsJim Leavitt has discovered this much about his new defense at Colorado: He has some talent with which to work, but his players need to put it in another gear. Full Story